The PhD candidate update!

It's easy to get lost in the PhD journey and understand where the markers are and what is still ahead. So we thought we'd update where Jonathan is in the process!

Having successfully passed his prelims in February, he now has the honored distinction of being a PhD candidate (not just a student). Its also known as being ABD (all but dissertation). Since then he has been focused on his dissertation, having completed all of the program's coursework. Over the summer he was narrowing down his topic and looking at many databases that have existing data he could use for a quantitative study. With his focus in place, through many drafts, he submitted his argument to his advisor- this is a 7 sentence summary of the purpose of his dissertation. Since that was finalized he has been reading and writing, gathering his first chapter (out of five). Last week he submitted his first completed chapter!! There are still feedback and edit loops in his future, but getting that chunk handed in is a huge feat and a great step of progress! Four more to go...  :)

Throughout this academic year, J is still holding down his 20 hours a week Graduate Assistantship which has him involved in a lot of great projects throughout the Division of Student Affairs. So his week gets filled with meetings and presentations, keeping him connected to people, while carving out his research and writing time during the hours the rest of us are occupied at work and daycare. The greatest thing about this season for me has been enjoying our evening and weekend family hours together as J isn't tapping out to go study.

Granted, my goal of making it through the series of Cheers on Netflix is suffering with this attentiveness I'm getting from my husband, but I'm ok with it. ;)